Located in northeastern Taiwan, Yilan is a peaceful coastal region known for its lush mountains, hot springs, and relaxing countryside atmosphere. Surrounded by nature and the Pacific Ocean, it offers a refreshing escape from city life. Yilan is famous for its natural scenery, rice fields, and local culture, with highlights such as Jiaoxi Hot Springs and traditional night markets. It is also home to cultural festivals that reflect the area’s vibrant local heritage, making it an ideal destination for relaxation and light exploration.
Jiaoxi is one of Taiwan’s most famous hot spring towns, known for its naturally rich mineral waters and peaceful atmosphere. Visitors can soak in public foot baths, enjoy private spa experiences, or simply stroll through the charming streets lined with local cafés and traditional snack shops. Surrounded by lush green mountains, Jiaoxi offers the perfect escape for relaxation and wellness.
One of the most popular night markets in Yilan, Luodong Night Market is the perfect place to experience authentic Taiwanese street food and lively local culture. Taste regional specialties such as scallion pancakes, smoked duck, grilled seafood, herbal soups, bubble tea, and traditional desserts while exploring the vibrant evening atmosphere.
Discover Taiwan’s rich cultural heritage at the National Center for Traditional Arts, a beautifully designed complex showcasing traditional architecture, local crafts, folk performances, and hands-on workshops. Visitors can wander through nostalgic old-style streets, watch artisans at work, and learn more about Taiwan’s artistic traditions and local culture.
Also known as Turtle Island due to its unique shape, Guishan Island is one of Yilan’s most iconic natural landmarks. Boat tours offer stunning coastal scenery, opportunities for whale and dolphin watching, and breathtaking views of volcanic cliffs rising from the Pacific Ocean. The island is especially popular during the warmer months for nature lovers and photographers.
Famous worldwide for its premium Taiwanese whisky, the Kavalan Distillery offers visitors an opportunity to learn about the whisky-making process and enjoy tastings of internationally acclaimed single malts. The modern distillery combines innovation with local craftsmanship and has become one of Yilan’s most popular attractions for food and beverage enthusiasts.
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Explore Taiwan's rich artistic heritage through journey to National Center for Traditional Arts
Marvel at towering marble mountains and turquoise waters of river valley landscape of Taroko National Park
Immerse in natural tranquility with a pleasant scenic boat trip on Sun Moon Lake
Admire the vast groves of ancient cypress trees of Alishan National Park
Witness the sunrise at Alishan with breathtaking vistas of sea of clouds and glowing mountain peaks
Take an unforgettable sightseeing train ride on the historic Alishan Forest Railway
Experience authentic Taiwanese traditional tea ceremony in Taipei
Ascend to Taipei 101 observation deck for sweeping views across the city skyline
Tour around the cultural heart of Taipei, combining heritage, spirituality, and modern city views
Experience writing wishes on a paper lantern and releasing it into the sky at Shifen Old Street
Relax in natural mineral waters at Taiwan's notable hot springs
Fulfill your tastebuds with rich flavors of Taiwanese cuisine in Taipei's night markets
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Enjoy the breathtaking lakeside scenery and visit famous attractions around Sun Moon Lake
Catch an insightful glimpse of Tainan city's historic landmarks with a pleasant city half day trip
See the giant Buddha statue and the peaceful surroundings in Fo Guang Shan Monastery
Admire Taiwanese natural beauty with exploration of Kenting coastline and scenery
See the unusual rock formations at Xiaoyeliu and Sanxiantai Scenic Area
Explore Taiwan's rich artistic heritage through journey to National Center for Traditional Arts
12Days
Immerse in natural tranquility with a pleasant scenic boat trip on Sun Moon Lake
Admire the mountain landscapes of Alishan National Park - one of Taiwan’s most beloved natural destinations
Take an unforgettable sightseeing train ride on the historic Alishan Forest Railway
Catch an insightful glimpse of Tainan's historic landmarks
See the giant Buddha statue and the peaceful surroundings in Fo Guang Shan Monastery
Discover the distinctive cultural highlights of Kaohsiung
Enjoy a feast of natural beauty with exploration of Kenting coastline and scenery
Witness unique rock formations at Sanxiantai Scenic Area and Xiaoyahliu
Refresh your body and soul with leisure visits to Taiwan's natural hot springs
Visit the spectacular Taroko National Park - Taiwan's famous marble gorge
Fulfill your tastebuds with rich flavors of Taiwanese cuisine in Taipei's night markets
Tour around Taipei - vibrant capital city with timeless urban delights from past to present
Yilan Quick Facts
Officially known as Yilan County, located in northeastern Taiwan
Area: approximately 2,143 square kilometers (827 square miles)
Population: around 450,000+ (varies slightly by year)
Climate: subtropical, with hot humid summers and mild winters
Yilan is well known for its natural hot springs, especially in Jiaoxi
The distance from Taipei to Yilan is about 70–90 km (approximately 1–1.5 hours by road or train)
Yilan is famous for its rice fields, coastal scenery, and traditional night markets
The Lanyang Museum is one of the most iconic architectural landmarks in the region
With a mild subtropical climate, Yilan can be visited year-round, but each season offers a different experience. Spring (March–May) is warm and humid with fresh greenery and blooming countryside, making it ideal for scenic outdoor exploration. Summer (June–August) is hot and often rainy due to the typhoon season, but still popular for coastal views and local festivals. Autumn (September–November) is generally considered the best time to visit, with more stable weather, pleasant temperatures, and clear skies for sightseeing. Winter (December–February) is cooler and comfortable, making it a great time to enjoy Jiaoxi hot springs and a more relaxing atmosphere.
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A refined local specialty often found in well-known restaurants such as Red Lantern at Silks Place Yilan or Jiaoxizhuang. The duck is carefully marinated, smoked, and roasted to create tender meat with a rich smoky aroma and crispy skin. Often served sliced with fresh herbs and dipping sauce, this specialty is especially popular at Luodong Night Market and traditional local restaurants.
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A traditional Yilan thick soup commonly found in Luodong eateries and night markets. It is made by simmering cabbage, pork, seafood, mushrooms, and sometimes fried pork skin in a rich broth, creating a thick and savory texture. The soup is known for its strong garlic aroma and deep umami flavor, reflecting Yilan’s rustic banquet-style cooking tradition.
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A famous Taiwanese street dessert that is especially popular in Yilan. The dessert is made with a thin soft crepe wrap filled with shaved peanut brittle, scoops of ice cream, and a small amount of fresh cilantro. The combination creates a unique flavor that is sweet, nutty, slightly herbal, and very refreshing at the same time. Vendors traditionally shave the peanut candy by hand directly onto the wrapper before rolling everything together.
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Yilan is famous throughout Taiwan for its locally grown green onions, known for their strong aroma and sweet flavor. One of the most popular local snacks is Scallion Pancakes, made with layers of crispy dough filled generously with fresh scallions. The pancakes are pan-fried until golden and are often enjoyed as a quick street food snack at local markets and roadside stalls.
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A traditional Taiwanese dish that uses red fermented rice (red yeast rice) to marinate pork or seafood before deep-frying. It has a distinctive reddish color and a subtle tangy aroma from the fermentation process. After frying, the dish becomes crispy on the outside while remaining tender inside. It reflects Yilan’s culinary heritage, especially its use of traditional fermentation techniques for rich, savory flavors.
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A traditional Taiwanese sausage commonly found in Yilan night markets, made from pork mixed with flour and seasonings, giving it a soft yet slightly chewy texture. It is usually grilled or pan-fried until fragrant, then served with garlic or pickled vegetables. This popular street food is also a common souvenir item, known for its mildly sweet, savory flavor.
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Because Yilan faces the Pacific Ocean and has major fishing ports like Nanfang’ao, seafood rice noodles are especially fresh and flavorful here. The broth is commonly simmered from fish bones, clams, and shrimp, then served with local catches such as squid, oysters, and small shrimp, creating a lighter coastal style compared to richer Taiwanese noodle soups.
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Cherry Duck (Ying Tao Ya)
Cherry Duck (Ying Tao Ya)
Cherry Duck (Ying Tao Ya)
Garlic Thick Pork Soup (Suan Wei Rou Geng)
Garlic Thick Pork Soup (Suan Wei Rou Geng)
Peanut Ice Cream Roll (Hua Sheng Juan Bing Qi Lin)
Peanut Ice Cream Roll (Hua Sheng Juan Bing Qi Lin)
Peanut Ice Cream Roll (Hua Sheng Juan Bing Qi Lin)
Scallion Pancakes (Cong You Bing)
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Scallion Pancakes (Cong You Bing)
Scallion Pancakes (Cong You Bing)
Red Yeast Cuttlefish/Pork (Hong Zao You Yu)
Red Yeast Cuttlefish/Pork (Hong Zao You Yu)
Red Yeast Cuttlefish/Pork (Hong Zao You Yu)
Yilan-style Sausage (Fen Chang)
Yilan-style Sausage (Fen Chang)
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Yilan-style Sausage (Fen Chang)
Seafood Rice Vermicelli (Hai Xian Mi Fen)
Seafood Rice Vermicelli (Hai Xian Mi Fen)
Seafood Rice Vermicelli (Hai Xian Mi Fen)
Relax in the soothing hot springs of Jiaoxi
Relax in the soothing hot springs of Jiaoxi
Relax in the soothing hot springs of Jiaoxi
Enjoy fresh seafood and local snacks at Luodong Night Market
Enjoy fresh seafood and local snacks at Luodong Night Market
Enjoy fresh seafood and local snacks at Luodong Night Market
Explore the National Center for Traditional Arts
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Explore the National Center for Traditional Arts
Explore the National Center for Traditional Arts
Admire the dramatic coastline of Guishan Island
Admire the dramatic coastline of Guishan Island
Admire the dramatic coastline of Guishan Island
Visit the award-winning Kavalan Whisky Distillery
Visit the award-winning Kavalan Whisky Distillery
Visit the award-winning Kavalan Whisky Distillery
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